How to charge the iPhone 4 when visiting Portugal

A guide showing you how to power your iPhone 4 with a Portuguese power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type C USB adapter and charging the iPhone 4 using a Type F USB adapter.

Portuguese power outlet

Varying different combinations of region codes and plug types can all be confusing when planning on staying in a new country if you've never been there before. These instructions have been written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 4 abroad.If you're staying in Portugal these useful instructions show how to power the iPhone 4 using the standard F or C type 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please be aware that Type F power outlets are typically used by a majority of Portuguese. When visiting Portugal from another country check the iPhone 4 can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPhone 4 originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110v check the iPhone 4 is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overheating whilst powering it up. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in Portugal

Can the iPhone 4 be used in Portugal?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 4 in Portugal.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 4 in Portugal?

If you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing more than just your iPhone 4 then the best international travel charger for Portugal to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Portuguese use two different standards of wall outlets (types F and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your model of iPhone 4 supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers, along with support for more power hungry devices. Unlike other travel adapters this means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel adapters for your trip or using up additional wall outlets. Only needing to bring a single lightweight travel charger will keep the overall size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and convenient for charging your iPhone 4 at the airport or on the flight. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without using up an additional power outlet.

For those travelling on a regular basis we suggest buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Portugal

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 4, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be necessary for travellers to regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Portugal using type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Portugal. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 4 in Portugal?

Powering the iPhone 4 with a Portuguese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a two pin Type C USB charger to recharge the iPhone 4 with a Portuguese power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 4 from a Portuguese power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally supply this USB cable when you purchase your iPhone 4).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. The plug supply is recognised by two adjacent holes next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Switch on the Portuguese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 4 is powering up, typically taking between 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4 with a Portuguese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone 4 from a Portuguese power outlet

A guide showing you how to power your iPhone 4 with a Portuguese power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type F USB adapter.

  1. To power the iPhone 4 using a Portuguese power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is usually included with the iPhone 4).
  2. Begin by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Turn on the Portuguese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is recharging and takes around 1 to 4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone 4 from a Portuguese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Portuguese Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  5. USB to Apple 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  7. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  8. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..